About biotechnology investment in Victoria

Victorian biotechnology and research organisations are in a unique position to offer investors a dynamic base for biotechnology development and success in Australia.

Building on our rapidly growing international research and development (R&D) reputation, Victorian-based biotechnology organisations have the advantage of proximity to Melbourne’s vibrant business and finance community. As well as excellence in universities, teaching hospitals and research institutes, world class infrastructure and access to a broad population of intellectual talent – the largest geographic cluster of scientific and biotech business expertise in the country.

The Advantages of Investing in Victoria

Victoria's biotechnology sector offers investors diverse opportunities to become involved in innovative research, world-renowned institutes, start-ups, and domestic and multinational pharmaceutical and life science companies.

Investment opportunities are also available in  Victorian companies that support the sector such as those dealing in bioscience instrumentation, biomaterials, chemistry, pharmaceuticals and medicine.

Investors are attracted by Victoria's extensive biotechnology advantages, including:

• internationally renowned research base;
• dynamic industry base;
• strong long-term government support of science, technology and innovation;
• sound regulatory and intellectual property practices;
• access to a highly-skilled and productive workforce;
• infrastructure at an international standard;
• world-class healthcare system;
• proximity to Asia-Pacific markets;
• world-class information and communication systems;
• low business costs;
• a time zone bridging US, Asian and European business hours;
• reliable, economically-priced utilities, and
• AAA rating from Standard and Poors and Moody's Investor Services.
  

Victoria offers the full range of business support services required by biotechnology enterprises.

Finance and Business Support Services

All major venture capital companies have Victorian operations, with national companies often competing with multinationals to provide the best services.

Skilled Workforce

Australia has a pool of highly-skilled biotechnology personnel to meet present and future needs of the industry. Internationally, Australia performs very well in the number of post-doctoral graduates in biotechnology-related disciplines.

Victoria has the largest bioindustry workforce in Australia, making it the most attractive location for biotechnology investment. This knowledge base is supported by a world-class education and training system that provides specialised programs for the biotechnology sector. The Education section of the portal provides more information.

Political and Legislative Stability

Australia's and Victoria's political stability has created a supportive long-term policy environment for biotechnology. Clear guidelines and some legislation affecting biotechnology has been developed in consultation with industry members, such as regulations for the labelling of genetically modified food and development of modified crops, embryonic stem cell research, patent protection and research and development taxation incentives.